For many emerging and developing countries, achieving a better global economic balance means placing more focus on domestic demand as a key driver of growth. By boosting consumption and investment at home, these nations can reduce dependence on exports and create more sustainable economic progress.
As domestic demand grows, these countries will be able to import more capital, technology, and skills to support their industries. This process will help sustain the impressive productivity gains that are already underway in many parts of the developing world. Over time, such rebalancing will improve living standards, giving workers and consumers access to better jobs, higher incomes, and improved quality of life.
Balanced growth also benefits the global economy. As middle-income and poorer nations become more connected to global markets, they can narrow the gap in living standards with wealthier countries. This process of convergence will serve as a long-term driver of global growth, strengthening international trade and cooperation for decades to come.
Open Foreign Markets to U.S. Products and Services
The United States has historically maintained one of the most open markets in the world. By supporting free trade and promoting open investment, the U.S. has played a major role in driving global economic growth. This openness has encouraged innovation and competition within the U.S., helping businesses and workers become more productive while allowing other nations to benefit from access to the U.S. market.
Moving forward, the U.S. aims to expand global market access for American products and services. This will include pursuing a trade agenda that supports fair competition and reflects American values and interests. The strategy involves working toward:
- A strong and balanced Doha multilateral trade agreement
- Fair bilateral and multilateral trade deals
- Deeper engagement with Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) countries to shape high-standard regional trade frameworks
An open global trading system will not only strengthen economic ties but also drive innovation and prosperity worldwide.
Making Trade Work for Americans
As globalization continues, trade policy will remain a key part of America’s economic strategy. The goal is to help American businesses and workers succeed in a competitive global environment. To achieve this, the U.S. government plans to restore public confidence in trade agreements by addressing transition challenges and ensuring fairness.
This includes promoting innovation, infrastructure development, healthcare reform, and education of which help workers adapt to changes brought by global competition. Future trade agreements will include clear enforcement mechanisms to guarantee that negotiated benefits are realized. They will also reflect U.S. priorities in areas such as labor rights and environmental protection.
Focus Area of the National Security Strategy 2010
| Focus Area | Key Actions | Results |
|---|---|---|
| Emerging Economies | Increase local spending and investment | Steady growth, better living standards |
| U.S. Trade | Support free trade, fair deals, TPP engagement | More market access, global growth |
| Americans & Trade | Help workers, invest in innovation and education | Fair trade, stronger economy |
| Global Cooperation | Lead G-20, reform IMF/World Bank, energy security | Stable, inclusive global economy |
Build Cooperation with International Partners
The United States continues to play a leading role in international economic cooperation, particularly through the G-20 forum. This platform brings together the world’s largest economies to promote sustainable and balanced growth, financial stability, and energy security.
U.S. leadership in the G-20 focuses on:
- Coordinating financial sector reforms
- Supporting global economic development
- Advancing energy security initiatives
In addition, the U.S. seeks to modernize and strengthen international financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. Through governance reforms, these institutions can become more inclusive and responsive to the needs of a fast-changing global economy.
The U.S. also aims to increase the participation of rapidly growing countries in these institutions, ensuring that they have a stronger voice in shaping global policies. By doing so, the world can build a more stable, cooperative, and resilient global economy capable of meeting the challenges of the 21st century.